Jokes are no laughing matter in politics anymore; and why Spain is right to be tough on Catalonia

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Once upon a time, politicians who wished to ingratiate themselves with the public used coyly to say “I must confess to having a sense of humour.” Would this be a wise confession to make today?

Michael Gove and Neil Kinnock have come under attack for making “inappropriate” jokes on air about Harvey Weinstein. Mr Weinstein is officially no laughing matter, although I must admit that whenever I am reminded that he is an honorary Companion of the British Empire, I guffaw. No Weinstein jokes are permitted, it would seem, even when – as in the Gove/Kinnock debacle – the butt of the joke is not his alleged victims but John Humphrys.